Community respite is best suited if you need occasional carer support for some day-to-day tasks or activities. It is available during the day, overnight, or for the weekend:
1. Centre-based respite is available during the day. It provides you with the opportunity to talk and interact with other people, and usually takes place at a day centre, club or residential setting. Day respite often runs from 10am to 3pm and may include transport to and from the centre.
2. Cottage respite is available overnight or over a weekend. It takes place in the community orin the home of a host family. It can be taken for two to three days at a time.
3. Flexible respite is available in the day or overnight. It can be provided in your home or in the community. It usually involves a paid carer coming to your home so that your usual carer can take a short break.
If you are an older person who requires support, you may be eligible for community respite.
Your eligibility will be assessed during your face-to-face assessment organised through a MyAged Care Regional Assessment Service (RAS).
Read more about how to access community respite services under the CHSP.
You can check if you are eligible for an assessment OR apply online for an assessment, or call My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 to get started.
During your short stay, you will be entitled to the same care and support services as permanent residents. For instance, you will be given a room and hotel-type services such as meals, laundry and social activities, as well as services to meet your personal and care needs.
Based on your initial ACAT assessment, you will be approved for either low or high level care. This will determine the level of respite subsidy your provider will receive, and ensure you receive care appropriate to your needs. Being approved for high level care allows you to access low level care, but not vice-versa.
You can access up to 63 days of subsidised care in a financial year. This includes both planned and emergency residential respite care. It is possible to extend this by 21 days at a time, with further approval from your aged care assessor. This may be required due to your care needs, carer stress, or the absence of your career.